We all have that one (okay, maybe five) beauty product we keep seeing all over TikTok and Instagram. And let’s be honest — lip balm, as simple as it sounds, has officially earned its title as the king of beauty essentials. It’s basically a life necessity. You need one in your bag, one on your nightstand, one at your work desk, one in the car, and one in that random drawer you always forget about until you are desperate.
And while we’d love to stock up on Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balms, having $24 tubes lying around in every other corner of our house? Yeah… not exactly an affordable situation for most of us.
About Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balms
Known for its hydrating formula and glossy finish, Summer Fridays offers you a lip balm with both skincare benefits and aesthetic appeal. Infused with nourishing ingredients like shea and murumuru seed butters, it provides deep moisture, while vegan waxes contribute to a smooth, buttery texture. The demand for these tints is high, not just because they are pretty, but because they come in these amazing shades, and each one feels like a mood.
Retailing at $24 for 0.5 fl oz, the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm is available at major retailers like Sephora, Amazon, Kohl’s, Revolve, and the official Summer Fridays website. While it offers a luxurious lip care experience, the price point may not be accessible to everyone, prompting many to seek more affordable alternatives that deliver similar hydration and shine.
Whether you are drawn to the scent, the shine, or the aesthetic, one thing’s for sure: this balm has the main character energy, and that’s exactly why we went hunting for affordable alternatives. Here are some of the best dupes of the most wanted shades of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm lineup — because your lips (and wallet) deserve options.
10 Budget-friendly Alternatives to 5 Shades Of The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Trader Joe’s Lip Butter Balm
Price: $7
If you are captivated by the Sweet Mint or Brown sugar shades of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balms but are hesitant about the $24 price tag, Trader Joe’s Lip Butter Balm Duo offers an impressive alternative. Priced at just $7 for a two-pack, this duo includes Vanilla Mint and Brown Sugar flavors, providing a similar hydrating experience without the premium cost.
Both balms come in sleek, mint-green squeeze tubes, mirroring the aesthetic of Summer Fridays. The Vanilla Mint variant delivers a refreshing, subtly sweet scent akin to Summer Friday’s Sweet Mint, while the Brown Sugar offers a warm, cozy aroma comparable to its high-end counterpart.
Pros
- At just $7 for two balms, this is a significantly affordable deal.
- The scent match is strikingly similar.
- Provides a glossy, smooth finish with decent moisturization.
Cons
- These are seasonal at Trader Joe’s and sell out quickly.
- Only 2 shades are available — no dupes yet for shades like Cherry and Pink Sugar.
- Unlike Summer Fridays, these are clear balms with no tint.
Hyphen Vintage Lip Balm
Price: $4.68
Brown Sugar is one of Summer Friday’s coziest shades—warm, rich, and versatile, making it an ideal elf Summer Fridays Dupe. Hyphen’s Vintage Lip Balm carries the same vibe, offering a deeper tone that steers into mauve or muted berry territory.
While not identical, the color payoff delivers the kind of natural enhancements influencers love about Brown Sugar. Hyphen’s balm is peptide-infused for added care, giving you the same nourished, plump-like finish.
Pros
- Hyphen is a brand in itself, having been co-founded by the popular actress Kriti Sanon.
- Deep, flattering tint that mimics the warm tone of Brown Sugar
- Peptide-infused formula helps nourish and improve lip texture
- Hydrating and non-sticky, making it perfect for daily use
Cons
- The pigment is slightly darker than Brown Sugar, making it less bold
- Limited availability compared to Summer Fridays’ global outreach
- Scent is subtle—those wanting a stronger fragrance may find it overwhelming
Hyphen Vanilla Lip Balm
Price: $4.13
If you are all about that no-fuss, barely-there vibe when it comes to lip care, Hyphen’s Vanilla Lip Balm will be your saviour. This one’s a solid alternative to Summer Friday’s Vanilla — a clear known for its soft scent and high shine.
Hyphen’s version carries a gentle vanilla fragrance that doesn’t overpower, and the formula glides on smoothly with a glossy finish. It’s perfect for layering or wearing alone, just like its high-end counterpart. Plus, the hydration is no joke—your lips will feel cushioned for hours.
Pros
- Clear and glossy finish makes it versatile for layering or solo wear
- Subtle vanilla scent is the perfect balance without being too overpowering
- It’s non-irritating and lightweight, making it the best option for sensitive lips
- Much more affordable than Summer Friday
Cons
- Fades quicker than more intensive balms, may need frequent reapplication
- Fragrance is very mild
- If you are looking for color payoff, then this non-tinted balm might not be it.
Victoria’s Secret Clear Glow Conditioning Lip Oil
Price: $8.22
This lip oil offers a glossy finish and hydrating properties, making it a viable alternative to the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm. Infused with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and vitamin E, it aims to keep lips soft and supple.
If you’re all about that clear, glossy, non-tinted lip look, this is your desk-drawer essential. It delivers exactly what the Summer Fridays Vanilla Balm does—just with a little more glam and a little less guilt.
Pros
- Victoria’s Secret is a brand in itself—the glam branding adds instant appeal
- It’s super glossy and smooth, making it perfect for a clean, plump-like look
- It is non-tinted, just like Summer Friday’s Vanilla version
- Moisturizing with ingredients like jojoba oil and vitamin E
Cons
- Slightly sticky compared to balm textures
- Fragrance is more perfume-y; some may love it, others may not
- Reapplication is needed after meals or drinks, as it doesn’t last too long
- It’s a lip oil, not exactly a lip balm
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Pink Quartz
Price: $11.58
If Pink Sugar is the shade you’ve been eyeing but not the price tag, e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Pink Quartz is your saving grace. It delivers that same sheer, bubblegum-tinted gloss with a juicy finish that flatters every skin tone.
Pros
- Perfect colour match for Summer Friday’s Pink Sugar—soft pink, sheer, and wearable
- Glossy but not sticky, giving that healthy, glazed-lip look
- Infused with squalane, jojoba, and avocado oil for deep hydration
Cons
- Sheer color may require layering if you’re after a bold tint
- Applicator issues reported by a few users (strands loosening)
- Gloss doesn’t last through meals, so reapplying is a must
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm in Sweet Candy
Price: $7.94
If you’re all about the subtle charm of Summer Friday’s Pink Sugar, known for its sheer pink hue and delightful buttercream aroma, the Laneige Lip Glowy balm in Sweet Candy offers a comparable experience. This balm provides a delicate pink tint that enhances your natural lip color, coupled with a sweet, candy-like fragrance that adds a playful touch to your lip care routine.
Pros
- Subtle Pink tint that mirrors the gentle hue of Pink Sugar
- Hydrating formula enriched with shea and murumuru seed butters
- Gives a glossy finish without the sticky feel
Cons
- Tint is very sheer, may require multiple applications for noticeable color
- Flavor/scent may not appeal to everyone
- Availability can vary depending on location
e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Jam Session
Price: $10.36
If you’re drawn to the vibrant allure of Summer Fridays’ Cherry Lip Butter Balm but are seeking a more budget-friendly option, e.l.f.’s Glow Reviver Lip Oil in Jam Session is a compelling alternative. This shade offers a deep cherry tint that enhances your natural lip color, delivering a juicy, glossy finish without the stickiness. Infused with nourishing oils like jojoba, avocado, and pomegranate, it ensures your lips remain hydrated and supple throughout the day.
Pros
- Rich cherry hue that closely mirrors the Cherry shade of Summer Fridays
- Vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with ethical beauty standards
- Non-sticky, high-shine finish for a luscious look
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for daily use.
Cons
- Color payoffs require multiple layers for a bolder look
- Slightly minty scent, which may not appeal to all users
Inde Wild Dewy Lip Treatment – Wedding Rose
Price: $10.63
The Wedding Rose variant offers a soft, rosy tint that enhances your natural lip color, reminiscent of the subtle hue provided by Summer Fridays’ Cherry shade. Its formula is enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and vitamin E, ensuring your lips remain hydrated and supple. The glossy finish adds a touch of elegance, making it suitable for both daily wear and special occasions.
Pros
- Subtle rosy tint that complements various skin tones
- Hydrating formula with shea butter, squalane, and vitamin E
- Vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with ethical beauty standards
Cons
- Limited availability, primarily through the brand’s official website
- Tint might be too sheer and may require applications for noticeable color
e.l.f. Hydrating Core Lip Shine in Lovely
Price: $7.77
The Lovely shade offers a sheer, light red tint that closely mirrors the vibrant coral-red hue of Summer Fridays’ Poppy. This balm combines a heart-shaped core infused with moisturizing Vitamin E and an outer shell that provides a hint of color and soft shine. It’s designed to nourish and condition your lips while delivering a natural, radiant look.
Pros
- Vibrant cherry-red tint closely mirrors the Summer Friday’s Poppy shade
- Hydrating formula with shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter, and hyaluronic acid
- Vegan and cruelty-free align with ethical beauty standards
Cons
- Might lean more towards a blood red shade than a poppy
- It can potentially cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, according to reviews.
- Can display gritty texture or a taste, the customers have claimed, that they dislike.
Pastel Jade Lip Butter Balm in Poppy
Price: $9.29
The Pastel Jade Lip Butter Balm in Poppy emerges as a compelling alternative to Summer Fridays’ Lip Butter Balm in Poppy, offering similar hydration and a vibrant tint at a more accessible price point. Both balms provide a poppy-red hue that enhances the natural lip color. Pastel Jade’s version offers a subtle yet noticeable tint, delivering a fresh and radiant look. Its silky, non-greasy texture ensures a comfortable wear throughout the day.
Pros
- Formulated with shea butter and olive oil, it provides deep hydration and leaves lips feeling soft and supple.
- Suitable for those seeking plant-based skincare products
- Offers a silky, non-greasy feel, ensuring comfortable wear throughout the day.
Cons
- May not be as widely available in physical stores, potentially requiring online purchases
- While it offers a tint, some users find it too subtle and may prefer more pigmented options.
- Some customers have noted that the tube doesn’t feel completely filled, leading to perceptions of less value.
Consider These Factors While Buying That Dreamy Lip Balm
When it comes to lip balms, don’t just reach for the cutest tube or the flashiest label; it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure it effectively nourishes and protects your lips.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice:
- Hydration: Look for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and oils (coconut, almond, olive—you get the drift). These are like a tall glass of water for your lips. If your balm can’t moisturize, it’s basically just fancy candle wax.
- SPF: Lips sunburn too, and nobody wants a crispy pout. Choose a balm with SPF 15 or higher unless you’re into peeling lips and regrets.
- Tint with Intent: Want that effortless “I woke up like this” glow? A tinted balm can serve looks and hydration—just make sure it’s pigmented with skin-friendly ingredients, not mystery chemicals.
- Steer Clear of Artificial Fragrances and Colors: Artificial fragrances and dyes can cause allergic reactions or irritation, especially in sensitive individuals. It’s advisable to choose lip balms that are fragrance-free or use natural scents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lip Butter Balm vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes, Summer Fridays products are not tested on animals and do not contain any animal by-products.
Is the Lip Butter Balm gluten-free?
The Lip Butter Balm is formulated without gluten. However, while all Summer Fridays products are formulated to be gluten-free, they cannot guarantee that they have been produced in a gluten-free facility.
How should I use the Lip Butter Balm?
The Lip Butter Balm can be used as a daily balm or as a nighttime mask when you need extra hydration. You can apply a thicker layer to give your lips a glossy finish or leave on an even thicker layer overnight to repair your lips and provide lasting hydration throughout the day.
What are the key ingredients in the Lip Butter Balm?
The Lip Butter Balm is formulated with vegan butters and waxes, treating your lips like a mask, wearing like a balm, and providing the finish of a gloss.
Conclusion
Now that we have established lip balms are the heroes of our beauty routines, we need you to have the right one! Whether you’re tackling the harsh winter winds or just need a little hydration on the go, lip balms are the ultimate multitaskers, combining hydration, nourishment, and color all in one sleek package.
And while luxury lip balms like Summer Fridays’ Lip Butter Balms have earned their place in the skincare hall of fame, the beauty of the market lies in its vast array of alternatives. So, whether you’re looking for something that tints, something that hydrates, or something that simply does it all, lip balms will always be your trusty sidekick, keeping your lips smooth, soft, and ready to take on whatever the day throws at you.
More Dupes:
